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No matter the cause, hair loss often treatable

Everyone loses hair. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the average person loses 50 to 100 hairs per day, and new hairs will grow. Men are more likely to lose their hair than women, mostly due to male pattern baldness. However, thinning hair and hair loss are also common in women. Although many causes of hair loss are temporary, hair loss may be a sign of a more serious medical condition that needs evaluation by a dermatologist and possible treatment.

Can hair loss be hereditary?

The most common cause of hair loss is thinning or baldness, a medical condition called hereditary hair loss or androgenetic alopecia. Approximately 80 million people in the U.S. have hereditary hair loss, and it affects both men and women. Hair loss can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side of the family. In men, you will often see a receding hairline or bald patches, especially on top of the head. The first sign of hereditary hair loss for many women is a widening part and thinning hair. In rare cases, women can see a receding hairline or bald patches.

Can medical conditions cause hair loss?

Several medical conditions can cause hair loss, including thyroid disease and anemia. People may also see hair loss following childbirth, major surgery, a high fever, or a severe infection. Ringworm of the scalp, a contagious fungal infection, is the most common form of hair loss in children. Some cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, can cause hair loss as well. Stressful events in life, such as the death of a loved one, new job, or divorce, can cause hair loss. Alopecia areata, a type of hair loss that affects all ages, causes hair to fall out in round patches.

Can my diet contribute to hair loss?

Of course! People with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, are likely to have hair loss or thinning hair. When the body does not get enough protein, it can also shut down hair growth. Eating more protein from meat, egg, or fish sources will stop the hair loss. If you are vegetarian, the addition of nuts, seeds, and beans to your diet will help increase your protein intake. If you do not get enough iron, you can also have hair loss. Good sources of iron include soybeans, pumpkin seeds, white beans, lentils and spinach.

Can the way I style my hair lead to hair loss?

Your hairstyle and even some of the products you use on your hair can cause hair loss. Frequent bleaching, permanents, or relaxers can cause the hair to break. The high heat from frequent use of a blow dryer can boil the water in the hair shaft, leaving the hair brittle and prone to breakage. Years of wearing hairstyles that pull on the hair, such as a ponytails, cornrows, or braids, can cause a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Also, for many people, hair is more elastic when it is wet. Hence, if you brush or comb wet hair too hard, it breaks off more easily and appears thin.

Are there any treatments for hair loss?

Just as there are many causes of hair loss, there are many treatments. Dermatologists recommend treating hair loss early, before you lose a lot of hair. Hair loss is harder to treat when a person has lost a significant amount of hair.

Minoxidil, a foam or liquid that you apply to the scalp, was the first drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss. Finasteride, a pill you take by mouth, has also been FDA approved for the treatment of hair loss. Both have been shown to help regrow hair or slow hair loss.

Hair loss caused by diseases such as thyroid disease can be reversed with treatment of the underlying disease. Topical or injectible cortisone medications have also been shown to regrow hair for certain conditions. Hair transplantation offers a permanent form of hair replacement, where existing scalp hair is surgically removed to cover bald or thinning areas.

In many cases, hair loss does not need treatment. The hair will start to regrow on its own. In other cases, changing how you care for your hair will allow your hair to start regrowing. After correcting your diet and hair care practices, people who continue to notice their hair thinning or shedding in large amounts after combing or brushing, should consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.